Cancer Screenings

August 2017

Did you know IHP offers three different grants to our community? At IHP, we collaborate with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to provide the Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Navigation Program, WISEWOMAN, and Michigan Colorectal Cancer Early Detection Program.

Cancer Control and Prevention

There are certain behaviors, habits, and lifestyle choices that have been shown to increase your risk of cancer. Take a look at a few ways to reduce to your risk:

Quit Smoking

Lower your Alcohol Intake

Eat a Healthy Diet

Get more Exercise

Ask about your Family History of Cancer

Get your Preventative Screenings

Practice Safe Sex

Use Sunscreen Every Day

Get Vaccinated

Test your Home for Radon

Cervical Cancer is the easiest of female cancers to prevent. At age 21, a pap test is recommended every three years to look for cell changes on the cervix that might become cancer if left untreated. At age 30 through 65, the pap test and the human papillomavirus (HPV) test is recommended every five years. The HVP test will look for the virus, which can cause harmful cell changes. Many women have HPV and had no need to seek medical attention because the infection cleared up on its own. This is why the testing is crucial.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women. The American Cancer Society (ASC) recommends at age 20, a clinical breast exam is completed every three years. Starting at age 40, ACS recommends a mammogram is recommended every year that you are in good health. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that helps to detect cancer early for women who might not have symptoms.

Colorectal Cancer is preventable and treatable with regular screenings. Beginning at age 50, it is recommended to have either a stool test, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, or DNA test to detect this treatable form of cancer. A sigmoidoscopy is a rectum and lower colon invasive exam using a lighted instrument, while a colonoscopy views the rectum and entire colon using a lighted instrument.

IHP offers grant opportunities to insured and uninsured individuals. Please call us at (269) 425-7110 and ask if you qualify for these services through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services grant programs.